RF Heating Nozzle Structure for 3D Printer

Solution Overview

Problem

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers face increased preheating time and power consumption due to the use of induction heating devices for nozzle heating, which is inefficient in melting materials and maintaining temperature.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle structure incorporating an RF heating device that uses high-frequency heating to melt materials efficiently, with a cooling unit to minimize heat transfer to the printer body, comprising a nozzle unit, RF nozzle heating unit, and cooling unit, where the nozzle connection unit is made of metal for heat transfer and the separation unit is made of insulating material to prevent heat loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an induction heating device is used to heat the nozzle in an FDM 3D printer, then the nozzle temperature can be maintained for material melting, but the preheating time and power consumption are excessively increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle temperatureVSAvoidpreheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the induction heating device with an RF (radio frequency) heating device. The RF heating device uses electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies to directly heat the nozzle through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for mechanical induction heating components and reducing preheating time while maintaining effective nozzle temperature for material melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from induction heating to RF heating by altering the physical parameters of the heating system. The RF heating device operates at specific radio frequency ranges that enable faster and more efficient heating of the nozzle, significantly reducing preheating time while maintaining the required temperature for thermoplastic material melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If an induction heating device is used to heat the nozzle in an FDM 3D printer, then the nozzle temperature can be maintained for material melting, but the power consumption is excessively increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the induction heating device with an RF (radio frequency) heating device. The RF heating device uses electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies to directly heat the nozzle through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for mechanical induction heating components and reducing preheating time while maintaining effective nozzle temperature for material melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating mechanism from induction heating to RF heating by altering the physical parameters of the heating system. The RF heating device operates at specific radio frequency ranges that enable faster and more efficient heating of the nozzle, significantly reducing preheating time while maintaining the required temperature for thermoplastic material melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If heat is provided to the nozzle to melt the material, then the material can be melted and discharged, but heat transfers to the printer body causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial melting temperatureVSAvoidheat transfer to printer body

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating system into separate functional components: the RF heating device that generates heat, the nozzle that receives and utilizes the heat for material melting, and the cooling unit that manages heat dissipation. This segmentation allows precise control of heat application to the nozzle while protecting the printer body through isolated heat management zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cooling unit as an intermediary between the heated nozzle and the printer body. The cooling unit actively manages heat transfer by providing cooling pathways and thermal barriers, preventing excessive heat from reaching the printer body while maintaining the high temperature needed in the nozzle for material melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces preheating time and power consumption while maintaining a precise temperature at the nozzle, ensuring uniform material melting and protecting the printer body from excessive heat, thus enhancing the efficiency and durability of the 3D printing process.

Implementation Method 1

an RF nozzle heating unit (500) for heating up the nozzle unit (100) using a high frequency so that the material is melted in the nozzle unit (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a cooling unit (200) for cooling down the heat discharged from the nozzle unit (100) to the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer minimization: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11420386B2Nozzle structure applying RF heating device for 3D printer

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 WAVEPIA CO LTD

AI summary

A nozzle structure applying an RF heating device for a 3D printer, the structure includes: a nozzle unit for melting and discharging an inflowing material using heat transferred from the outside; a transfer unit for transferring the material to the nozzle unit; an RF nozzle heating unit for heating up the nozzle unit using a high frequency so that the material is melted in the nozzle unit; and a cooling unit for cooling down the heat discharged from the nozzle unit 100 to the outside.